Search results
- Dictionarytheoretical/θɪəˈrɛtɪkl/
adjective
- 1. concerned with or involving the theory of a subject or area of study rather than its practical application: "a theoretical physicist" Similar Opposite
Powered by Oxford Dictionaries
THEORETICAL definition: 1. based on the ideas that relate to a subject, not the practical uses of that subject: 2. related…. Learn more.
1. : existing only in theory : hypothetical. gave as an example a theoretical situation. 2. a. : relating to or having the character of theory : abstract. b. : confined to theory or speculation often in contrast to practical applications : speculative. theoretical physics. 3. : given to or skilled in theorizing. a brilliant theoretical physicist.
A theoretical study or explanation is based on ideas about it, rather than practical aspects of it.
Theoretical definition: of, relating to, or consisting in theory; not practical (distinguished from applied).. See examples of THEORETICAL used in a sentence.
[usually before noun] connected with the ideas and principles on which a particular subject is based, rather than with practice and experiment. a theoretical approach. theoretical physics. The first year provides students with a sound theoretical basis for later study. opposite experimental, practical. Extra Examples. Topics Scientific research c1.
Something theoretical is concerned with theories and hypotheses — it's not necessarily based on real life or meant to be applied to real life. Theoretical things are based on theory and ideas, while practical ones are based on practice.
1. Of, relating to, or based on theory. 2. Restricted to theory; not practical or applied: theoretical physics. 3. Studying or working to develop theory. [Late Latin theōrēticus, from Greek theōrētikos, from theōrētos, observable, from theōrein, to look at; see theorem .] the′o·ret′i·cal·ly adv.
